LI City Library: A Reimagined Urban Cultural Hub in Tianmu Lake Resort
Liyang City's LI City Library, located in the Tianmu Lake Resort, showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design. Originally designed as an office building, the structure underwent a significant transformation, driven by the local government's vision to integrate dynamic social functions into the urban landscape. Today, the library not only provides a 24-hour accessible space for citizens and tourists to engage with literature but also functions as a shared cultural hub that enriches the community. The renovation, skillfully carried out by Greater Dog Architects, redefines the building's purpose, striking a perfect balance between modern functionality and cultural significance, and preserving its architectural integrity in a way that resonates with the community.
Liyang City's LI City Library, located in the Tianmu Lake Resort, showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design. Originally designed as an office building, the structure underwent a significant transformation, driven by the local government's vision to integrate dynamic social functions into the urban landscape. Today, the library not only provides a 24-hour accessible space for citizens and tourists to engage with literature but also functions as a shared cultural hub that enriches the community. The renovation, skillfully carried out by Greater Dog Architects, redefines the building's purpose, striking a perfect balance between modern functionality and cultural significance, and preserving its architectural integrity in a way that resonates with the community.
Architectural Reuse: Embracing and Evolving the Existing Framework
The building, which has three above-ground floors and one underground level, features a durable frame structure effectively repurposed to meet modern needs. More excellent Dog Architects utilized a strategy focused on reusing the building while redefining its spatial design. This approach not only preserved the building's historical significance but also reduced the project's environmental impact by minimizing the need for new construction materials. Removing the exterior walls and exposing the original beams and columns established a conversation between the old and the new. The addition of setback circular structural beams along the main facade transforms the building's exterior and reshapes the interior floor slabs, creating a seamless combination of preservation and innovation. This approach extends to the semi-outdoor entrance, set back from the main structure, where a deliberately extended circular traffic flow provides a peaceful buffer from the busy street outside.
Sustainability: Infusing the Building with Natural Light and Texture
The renovation focuses on bringing in natural light to open up the previously enclosed spaces. The frameless inner curved glass complements the strong frame structure, gracefully accentuating the building's architectural lines. The use of gray wooden tiles, meticulously re-dyed and pressed from recycled wood, gives the library a natural, tactile quality that harmonizes with its surroundings. A spiral staircase within a cylindrical space connects the main areas on each floor, optimizing the light flow and creating multiple links between the interior and the external environment.
Renewal: Enhancing Functionality for a New Era
The renovation of the LI City Library was not just about improving its appearance, but also about ensuring its readiness for a new era. The HVAC system from the early 1990s was upgraded to meet modern standards, and changes were made to the fire escape routes, lighting systems, and seismic capacity. The building's structure was reinforced to ensure its readiness for its new purpose. As a result, the renovated LI City Library, designed by Greater Dog Architects, is a modern and visually appealing structure that fits well with its urban surroundings and the natural beauty of the Tianmu Lake area. It now serves as a vibrant public space, meeting the community's needs for cultural engagement while preserving its historical significance. The renovation has given the library a fresh, dynamic identity that will ensure its relevance and vitality for years.
Project Information
Client: Jiangsu Tianmu Lake Holding Group Co., Ltd. Architecture and Interior Design: Greater Dog Architects Collaborator: Shanghai Urban Architectural Design Co., Ltd. Principal Architects: Jin XIN, Zhihong HU
Design Team: Manyan He, Keith Guo, Longlin Gong, Huge Shen, Alex Wu, Ella Tang, Vincent Wang
Structural Design: Shanghai Yijing Architectural Design Co., Ltd. Project Photography: Metaviz Studio
Project Address: No.375, Yingbin Avenue, Tianmu Lake Town, Liyang City, Jiangsu Prov- ince
Building Area: 2387 m2
Year Began: 2021
Completion: June, 2023
For more information, please visit: www.greater-dog.com
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 -Architecture Division
Torre Arcobaleno: Milan's Beacon of Modern Design Illuminated Anew
In the vibrant Garibaldi area of Milan, the iconic Torre Arcobaleno stands resplendent, its presence even more compelling with the installation of a new night lighting system. This latest intervention, a collaboration between some of Italy's most esteemed companies, elevates the tower's status as a symbol of contemporary Milan—where history, architecture, and design converge to create a landmark of exceptional beauty and cultural significance.
The Torre Arcobaleno, originally built in 1964 as a Porta Garibaldi railway yard water tank, underwent a remarkable transformation in 1990. During Italy's hosting of the World Cup, what was once a weathered and deteriorated structure serving a utilitarian purpose was reborn as a vibrant city symbol.
In the vibrant Garibaldi area of Milan, the iconic Torre Arcobaleno stands resplendent, its presence even more compelling with the installation of a new night lighting system. This latest intervention, a collaboration between some of Italy's most esteemed companies, elevates the tower's status as a symbol of contemporary Milan—where history, architecture, and design converge to create a landmark of exceptional beauty and cultural significance.
The Torre Arcobaleno, originally built in 1964 as a Porta Garibaldi railway yard water tank, underwent a remarkable transformation in 1990. During Italy's hosting of the World Cup, what was once a weathered and deteriorated structure serving a utilitarian purpose was reborn as a vibrant city symbol. The renovation, which involved cladding the tower with 100,000 ceramic tiles in 14 distinct colours, turned it into a circular and colourful landmark. This restoration not only revitalized the tower but also signalled a new dedication to urban renewal and aesthetic innovation, inspiring a new era of architectural restoration.
In 2015, during the Expo Milano, the Torre Arcobaleno once again garnered global attention as it underwent further restoration. This restoration was entirely funded by the same group of companies involved in the tower's initial revitalization. It was intended as a gift to the people of Milan and was timed to coincide with a globally significant event. By then, the Garibaldi district had become the focal point of Milanese design, fashion, and modern architecture, with its futuristic skyscrapers and bustling Piazza Gae Aulenti. In this setting, the Torre Arcobaleno emerged as a "coloured ceramic totem," symbolizing the transformation of Italy's master ceramists from traditional artisans to innovative industrial creators, celebrated on the world stage.
Today, the Torre Arcobaleno enters a new phase, its outline coming to life at night with a modern LED lighting system. This cutting-edge installation, which includes 397 W LED floodlights, enhances the tower's colourful mosaic, creating a captivating glow that enchants both locals and visitors. The new lighting not only improves the tower's facade colours but also maintains energy efficiency like the previous system, ensuring that the tower's beauty is not only enhanced but also sustainable. The floodlights, with a lifespan of around 100,000 hours, promise to keep the tower's appeal alive for years to come.
The project, led by the architectural division of the Original Designers Studio 6R5 Network, which includes Francesco Roggero, Albino Pozzi, Rita Alfano Roggero, and Kiyoto Ishimoto, reflects a united effort to preserve and enhance the beauty of Torre Arcobaleno. This team of designers, acting as the project's "directors," has successfully integrated the expertise of several Made in Italy partners, all committed to showcasing the tower's nocturnal charm.
The list of partners includes top Italian companies such as Bazzea Construction Technology, responsible for the renovation work; Condor, providing formwork and scaffolding; Disano Illuminazione, in charge of the tower's new lighting; Fila Solutions, experts in surface cleaning; Marazzi Group, renowned tile manufacturers; and Mapei, who supplied the adhesives, renovation materials, and paint. This initiative is also supported by the Comune di Milano and RFI, the primary company of the Infrastructure Cluster of the Italian FS Group.
The Torre Arcobaleno, now shining brightly with its new lighting, stands as a powerful symbol of pride and creativity in Milan. Its vivid colours and impressive silhouette now stand out even more, solidifying its status as a beloved landmark and a must-see attraction for design enthusiasts worldwide. Each illuminated night, the tower conveys a tale of innovation, heritage, and Milan's enduring spirit—a city where the past and future coexist in the language of design, inviting all to be part of its rich history and promising future.
The project partners are:
Bazzea Construction Technology (renovation work)
Condor - Formwork, Scaffolding (metal multidirectional scaffolding)
Disano Illuminazione (lighting)
Fila Solutions (surface cleaning)
Marazzi Group (tiles)
Mapei (adhesives, renovation and painting)
Comune di Milano - Milan City Council and RFI-the leading company of the Infrastructure Cluster of the Italian FS Group – Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato - have also patronized this new initiative, in continuity with the choice made at the beginning of the history of the recovery project.
For more information: www.torrearcobaleno.it
Bazzea
Condor – Formwork, Scaffolding
Disano Illuminazione
Fila Solutions
Marazzi Group
Mapei
Heritage Link Parking Pavilio - The Chudong Parking Structure designed by Q-LAB
A new architectural landmark has quietly emerged in the heart of a small suburban town in Taiwan. With a population of barely one hundred thousand and predominantly composed of the Hakka community, the Chudong Parking Structure, designed by the innovative team at Q-LAB, is more than just a utilitarian facility. It is a thoughtful response to the unique socio-economic fabric of this town, where tourism and agriculture are the lifeblood of the local economy.
A new architectural landmark has quietly emerged in the heart of a small suburban town in Taiwan. With a population of barely one hundred thousand and predominantly composed of the Hakka community, the Chudong Parking Structure, designed by the innovative team at Q-LAB, is more than just a utilitarian facility. It is a thoughtful response to the unique socio-economic fabric of this town, where tourism and agriculture are the lifeblood of the local economy.
For years, the central market has been dealing with chaotic traffic and a shortage of parking spaces, which has caused residents inconvenience. To address this issue, local authorities decided to build a parking structure to reduce congestion and promote the town's growth. The Chudong Parking Structure is not just a solution to a practical problem but a beacon of hope for the town's future, adding to its cultural and aesthetic appeal.
The Chudong Parking Structure, designed by Q-LAB, tackles the surrounding chaos with a simple and striking approach in geometry and form. The structure's plan consists of two semicircles at each end, supported by shear walls to absorb seismic forces, which is crucial in this region. A straightforward post-and-beam structure offers a flexible and efficient solution to parking needs between these semicircles.
What sets this building apart is its ability to balance functional engineering with cultural sensitivity. The lightness of its tectonics is complemented by the rich cultural symbolism embedded in its design. The louvres that wrap the exterior of the structure are more than just an architectural feature; they are a visual homage to the traditional Hakka umbrellas, infusing the building with a sense of place and identity. This connection to the local culture makes the Chudong Parking Structure more than just a building; it's a part of the community.
The Chudong Parking Structure is more than an infrastructural addition to the town; it is an architectural statement that seamlessly blends with the existing urban fabric. Its simplicity in design and elegance in execution create a structure that, while minimal in its intervention, enriches the lifestyle of the community it serves. Through this project, Q-LAB has provided a solution to the town's parking woes and crafted a new symbol of its heritage and progress.
For more information, please visit: https://www.qlabarchitects.com/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Architecture Division